The Everest Three Passes Trek is a comprehensive high-altitude circuit in Nepal. This 20-day journey covers a broader route and provides a more technical challenge than the standard Everest Base Camp route. The Everest Three High Passes Trek itinerary is planned sequentially to assist with high-altitude acclimatization as you travel through the Khumbu region.
Spanning 20 days, the loop requires crossing three distinct mountain passes that sit above 5,000 meters:
This circuit combines the major highlights of the region into a single journey. Trekkers visit the historic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and ascend the Kala Patthar (5,545m) viewpoint.
The trail also branches into the Gokyo Valley, allowing travelers to see the Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m). The route crosses diverse terrain, walks alongside remote glaciers, and passes local landmarks such as the Tengboche Monastery. This loop offers a less-crowded alternative for experienced hikers who want to see the full layout of the Everest region.
If you prefer a more direct route or a different service tier, consider these alternative packages managed by our agency:
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Welcome to Nepal! The moment you step off the plane in Kathmandu, Eve Holidays team will be waiting at the arrivals terminal to greet you with a traditional, warm Nepali welcome. We will take care of everything, driving you straight to your hotel so you can check in, refresh, and unwind from your journey. Later this evening, we will gather for a special welcome dinner—a perfect chance to enjoy incredible local flavors together, chat about the exciting days ahead, and officially toast to the start of your unforgettable Himalayan adventure!
Overnight: Standard Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Standard Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the DudhKosi. We descend from the small plateau, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m), where we spend our first night.
Overnight: Lodge in Phakding
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Phakding, we cross through suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. You then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, you get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market, a meeting place for the traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you can do a strenuous day walk to a higher altitude, coming back down to Namche for sleep.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we start our trek further to Tengboche. Tengboche is famous for its celebrated monastery, the largest in the Khumbu where lots of visitors come for traditional yoga and meditations. From Tengboche we can see nice views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse and Mount Ama dablam.
Overnight: Lodge in Tengboche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We descend through the forest to Devoche and a little further on we cross the rushing Imja River, whose valley we now follow. Climbing steadily the trail enters Pangboche, at 3,900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. Ascending the valley we have lunch at Shomore, after which we leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja River, A short steep climb brings us to Dingboche, at 4,530m, a summer settlement where great peaks surround us.
Overnight: Lodge in Dingboche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest days are for acclimatization of body to high altitude. So we take short walks around and enjoy the views.
Overnight: Lodge in Dingboche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Todays’ trail passes passes through stone-walled fields and Imja River valley before and reach glacier moraines amidst towering Himalayas. We continue our walk to the Bibre, a place of yak herdmen. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. Crossing the icy streams instersection half an hour walk takes us to Chhukung village, where we have lunch and some rest. Then continue our trek to Chhukung Ri, from where we get stunning views of Ama Dablam and Amphu Lapcha peaks.
Overnight: Lodge in Chhukung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we start early because this is the day when we cross through first high pass Kongma La Pass [one also has the option of skipping this pass if they want to avoid strenuous Konngma La Pass. Trekkers can walk directly to Lobuche from Chhukung]. The top of the Kongma La pass is marked by cairns and Buddhist prayer flags. The descent from Kongma La Pass is the toughest part of todays hike. We climb a moraine and turn north through Khumbu glacier to Lobuche.
Overnight: Lodge in Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
About three hours beyond Lobuche we reach GorakShep (5,220m/17,126ft), the site of the 1953 expedition’s base camp. Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and becomes quite vague, weaving between mounds of rubble. After about 3 hours we will eventually reach base camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. For those visiting base camp in the spring, it is a chance to meet teams making an ascent of the mountain. Base Camp is actually spread over quite a wide area and we will spend some time wandering through it and getting a sense of what it must be like to be camped here for two whole months, whilst attempting the mountain.
Overnight: Lodge in Gorakshep
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will make an ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545m/18,188ft) and organise ourselves for the trip to base camp the following day. It is highly recommended to make an afternoon and evening ascent of Kala Pattar for hopefully a sunset view of Everest. The climb takes between 2 and 3 hours and can be hard work, but the effort is rewarded by the classic view of Everest and the Khumbu Icefall, as well as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori immediately above. We retrace our steps to Lobuche.
Overnight: Lodge in Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we walk downhill alongside the Khumbu Glacier. We take the righ path and get the views of Awi Peak. Passing through a stupa and tombstones in the distance we begin to ascend and see Chola Tsho Lake nearby. We continue further and pass another lake which is lot smaller than the Chola Tsho Lake. We cross the Chola Khola on a bridge and reach Dzongla village.
Overnight: Lodge in Dzongla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, the higher we go, we get the astonishing views of Cho La Lake and Ama Dablam and Cholatse soars on the west. Climbing the incline is not easy and the boulders on the way make it more difficult. Finally we walk round a crevasse You can see the top of pass marked with prayer flags and cairns and you will be amazed by the scenery surrounding you from all sides. The long easier trail takes you to Thangnak village and to the edge of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the longest glacier in Nepal. From the other side of the glacier you see the second Gokyo Lake on the series of six lakes. Short walk from here is the third Gokyo Lake on the edge of which is the Gokyo village.
Overnight: Lodge in Gokyo Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we climb Gokyo Ri for stunning mountain views. We also can walk to the 4 th and 5th Gokyo Lakes. 4th Gokyo Lake is just 3 kilometers north of Gokyo village and continue further to 5th Gokyo Lake, which has a view point called Scoundrels Viewpoint from where we get amazing views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu mountains and the huge Ngozumba Glacier. We walk back to Gokyo village for the overnight stay.
Overnight: Lodge in Gokyo Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a long day. Walking alongside Dudh Pokhari Lake for a while and then walk for 2 hours and descend to Renjo La Pass from where we get outstanding views. We walk down the stone staircase and reach south bank of Angladumba Tsho Lake. Along the way we see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. We walk for an hour down a narrow valley with giant boulders, from Lumde to Marlung Village on the east bank of Bhote Koshi River.
Overnight: Lodge in Marlung Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we pass through traditional route used by Tibetan traders and cross Bhote Koshi River and descend to Taranga. We descend and cross two bridges t reach Thame Village. Towards west we see Thame Gompa on the hill. We walk on a descending trail through several villages and reach Namche.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your final day’s trekking follows the DudhKoshi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some chang (home made wine), try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.
Overnight: Lodge in Lukla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake to a final, breathtaking flight from the rugged Lukla airstrip over the towering Himalayas to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy the day at your own pace buy gifts for your loved ones or get a relaxing massage. The adventure concludes that evening with a warm farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant, where you can toast to your achievements, share photos, and exchange contacts with your trekking companion.
Overnight: Standard Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Your transformative journey concludes today as you transition from the peaks of Nepal back home. Enjoy a final morning taking in the sights and sounds of Kathmandu before your private transfer arrives to escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your homeward flight. As your plane lifts off, you will catch one last glimpse of the towering Himalayas, leaving you with life-changing memories, deep connections, and a profound sense of achievement from the roof of the world.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTICE: To reduce air congestion, the Nepal government has rerouted most Lukla flights from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport in 2019, which is located 130 km (a five-hour drive) from Kathmandu. While these flights are generally reliable, mountain weather is highly unpredictable and can cause cancellations year-round. Travelers should include contingency days in their itineraries to account for potential delays. Alternatively, paid helicopter flights between Kathmandu and Lukla remain available if regular plane service is disrupted. Please be informed about the alternatives to Lukla flight cancellations.
In Kathmandu you will be staying in standard hotels for 3 nights in Thamel, the tourist hub in Kathmandu. During the trek, you will be staying in the family run teahouse lodges with basic facilities. In lower altitudes rooms will be with attached bathrooms and higher up after Namche it will be mostly shared toilets with one or two other rooms. All accommodation are on twin share basis and you can choose private room or upgrade your accommodation both in Kathmandu for the trek, during the booking process.
In Kathmandu breakfast, welcome dinner and farewell dinner are provided. While on trekking, we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Usually, each day dinner and breakfast will be at teahouses/lodges where you will stay and lunch will be on the way. We make it sure that the food is hygienic and at the same time suits your palate. Foods cooked in lodges and guesthouses on the way are pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always find hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.
The spring time from March to May and the Autumn months from September to November is considered the best months for the Everest Three Passes Trek
Anyone who is fit and healthy and have a habit of walking for few of hours a day can do this trek. However walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes. In this trip you have to cross 3 High altitude passes on the way, so you need a good level of physical fitness. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your stamina. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lungs and blood diseases are required to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Eve Holidays about the medical condition before booking the trek.
All of Eve Holidays trekking itineraries are planned keeping in mind the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Going up at higher altitude too fast causes a medical condition called AMS which is serious enough to kill if neglected. We are well aware that it is essential to allow you sufficient time for acclimatization to minimize the risk. However it is important to remember that some people are more vulnerable than others. So we suggest to avoid alcohol and drink enough water and get good night sleep during the trek.
This is considered one of the most challenging tea-house trek in the Everest region. It requires crossing three high-altitude passes over 5,000 meters-Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La-alongside trekking to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. You will need excellent physical fitness, some prior trekking experience, and strong mental endurance for long days of steep climbing on rocky and sometimes icy terrain.
You do not need technical climbing gear like ropes, harnesses, or ice axes, as this is a trekking route rather than a mountaineering expedition. However, you must pack a pair of sturdy hiking crampons (microspikes). The Cho La Pass frequently has crossing sections over solid, slippery glacier ice, and the other passes can experience heavy snow
The 20-day duration is specifically designed to prioritize safety and proper acclimatization. Because you are crossing three extreme high-altitude passes, your body needs extra time to adjust to the thin air. Shorter itineraries drastically increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This timeline also allows you to explore the stunning Gokyo Valley without rushing.
You will stay in local, family-run mountain lodges known as teahouses. Accommodations are basic, usually featuring twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms in higher altitudes. The food menus are surprisingly diverse, offering local staples like Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), as well as pasta, potatoes, eggs, and soups to keep your energy high.
The standard Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty is rated as moderate. However, the
We did the Everest Base Camp earlier. So this time we were into something challenging trek. We booked Everest 3 High Passes Trek with Eve Holidays in a friend’s recommendation. We were 2 friends doing this trek and it was like a private trip for us and thanks to Eve Holidays, they did not charge us extra for the trek. We very much enjoyed the trek with them. Our guide Bishnu was very interesting man and accommodation, meals, flights and all arrangements made by this company was good.
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